Stormzy honours his 'hero' at new annual award show

The first annual Black Magic Awards honoured women across the entertainment, sport and business sector, with Stormzy presenting an award to Jenny Francis

12/09/2017 10:25 AM

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HONOURED: DJ Jenny Francis and Stormzy

LAST SATURDAY (Sep 10) saw 12 inspirational women honoured at the first annual Black Magic Awards, which took place at Hackney Empire.

The awards show was founded to celebrate the women who have contributed to the black entertainment, sports, business and community scene.

Hosted by entertainer Eddie Kadi and America's Next Top Model contestant Annaliese Dayes, it was a night of true magic with performances from the likes of MOBO Award winning singers Rachel Kerr and Lurine Cato, 8-year-old viral dance sensation Princess K and a guest appearance from model Munroe Bergdrof and rapper Stormzy.

The rapper presented the last award of the night to one of his idols, legendary radio DJ Jenny Francis, who featured on an interlude on the rappers hit album Gang Signs and Prayer earlier this year.

With over 20 years in the business, the Heart FM DJ, was honoured with the 'Radio Personality' award and the show's organisers thought that there was no one better to present the award to her. "A childhood hero to so many of us, introduced me to R&B as a kid. 27 years of radio, more than deserved" the rapper tweeted to his fans alongside a photo of himself and the winner.

“Despite their contribution and achievements, some of the women we honoured this year have never been properly recognised,” said Kojo Anim, Founder of The Colour Network. He continues, "However, rather than dwelling on it, we wanted to make a change and shine some much needed light on these amazing women.”

"The evening consisted of motivating and encouraging words from the honourees and featured captivating performances,' says The Colour Network co-founder Annika Allen. 'It was an inspiring look for all women—especially black women who don't get to see enough positive images of powerful women of colour in the media.

The Black Magic Awards show was organised by The Colour Network and will provide honours to women from the scene that they have served well and celebrate their illustrious talents yearly. To continue the legacy on the run up to the 2018 event The Colour Network will release a monthly Black Magic podcast to continue to spotlight the strengths and triumphs of these amazing women.